written by Ross' Foster Mother

Like many other times, I made arrangements to pick up a Westie that needed fostering.  Nothing unusual for the rescue, another owner release, a Westie with skin problems and they did have not enough time to spend with the dog.  So off I went on an August day.

As a rescue volunteer you try to prepare yourself for the worse case, especially if you are getting a mill dog. But this was a family releasing their dog. Nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to see. This rescue was definitely not the usual, not the norm, and one of the most disturbing rescues I have lived.  This is Ross’ story.

Ross was released by his owners of eight years.  I guess that was what most disturbed me, he had owners. Not a puppy mill dog, not a stray, not a shelter dog, but people who were supposed to care for him. Ross had owners that consistently over-crated him, most likely extended hours in a plastic carrier, and Ross paid a price. Ross’ skin was excoriated to the muscle, an unbelievable sight. To say the least, I cried the entire 80 miles back home, but managed to get my vet on the phone. He would wait for Ross.

I wanted to hold Ross, pet him, but the oozing coming from the muscle and skin was horrible and I did not want to hurt him. I thought he would not live or he would have to be euthanized to end his suffering. When we got to the vet who sees all my Westies, he only said to me  “Oh my, this is not good.” 

Ross was running a fever, had a systemic bacterial infection, several imbedded claws, severe skin damage, an ear infection, malassezia, right eye infection, elevated white blood cell counts, scarring which was believed to be caused by extended periods of time in urine and feces and biting and scratching his own skin off his body.  But like all Westies, they are resilient and come with attitude, Ross was no different. 

The short version of Ross’ care included daily steam cleaning of his living quarters to prevent further infection, daily laundering of bedding, eye and ear medications, antibiotics, antifungals, a special diet, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and bi-weekly special  bathing/debridement. This was an enormous financial stress for the rescue.

The non-physical damage to Ross was also apparent; he was untrusting, under socialized, and showed some aggression.

Today, pictured below, Ross continues to live in our home, crate free, and having a blast. He is now medication free and requires only a special diet and a few extra shampoos. His immune system is not well and we anticipate the need for eye care to continue shortly. His scarring is extensive and he will never have a full white coat like other Westies. He has completed his basic Obedience training and will continue to advance. 

We can not begin to tell you how much we love Ross and how much he has taught many humans about compassion, many of whom cried just at the sight of him. We did not hide this guy because he was not pretty; we showed him to everyone and shared his story.  He is a wonderful dog, a true Westie, resilient and full of attitude, we believe Ross exemplifies what Westie Rescue is all about.

Ross on squirrel alert!